WW1 soldiers' stories: Harrogate church's emotional appeal

Harrogate's grandest church has launched a campaign to put some flesh on the bones of some of its fallen parishioners of the First World War.

Generally regarded as one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the country, St Wilfrid's on Duchy Road is keen to shine a light on the lives of the soldiers named on its own WW1 memorial.

Located in St Wilfrid's Holy Spirit Chapel, the aim during a year, which marks the 100th anniversary of war's end, is to use any information discovered as part of a new display telling the soldier's own stories.

But its a race against time to get it ready Heritage Open Days in September when the public can visit what is Harrogate’s only Grade I listed building for free.

The church's facilities manager Rebecca Oliver said: "We are currently researching the history of those named on the First World War memorial in the church and would love to find out more about the men listed on it.

"If anyone has any knowledge of those named on the memorial or their families please contact myself or the church."

The church of St Wilfrid Harrogate was consecrated in 1914, at the start of World War 1. The earliest parish magazines that we have make regular mention of parishioners or members of the congregation who were killed in action.

The new display will contain some of these precious artefacts which will be shown to the public for the first time.